Abstract

Inhalation of tobacco smoke is a major risk factor for the development of airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in non-cigarette smokers and increase respiratory distress in smokers. Garcinia kola has been linked to smooth muscle relaxation and may ameliorate obstruction and resistance to airflow. This study examined the effect of Garcinia kola on airflow and reactivity of the airway smooth muscles (ASM) of asymptomatic regular cigarette smokers (CS) and passive non-smokers (PNS) following 10 minutes cigarette smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke. Sixty apparently healthy male undergraduate students comprising cigarette smokers and non-smokers volunteered as subjects. Changes in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in L/min in CS and PNS was measured with Spirometer before and after 10 minutes of smoking and/or exposure to cigarette smoke. Thereafter, half the population of CS and PNS were given G. kola (200 mg/kg body weight) and PEFR measured at intervals of 30 minutes for a maximum of 90 minutes. Peak expiratory flow rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05) following 10 minutes of smoking and exposure to smoke in both CS and PNS, however, G. kola ingestion marginally increased PEFR values significantly at 30, 60 and 90 minutes intervals. Comparatively, increase in PEFR was greater in PNS than in CS (P < 0.05) treated with G. kola and climaxed at 60 minutes. Conclusively, cigarette smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke compromise lung function with a decrease in peak expiratory flow rate. G. kola treatment significantly reversed this trend, cleared the airways, enhanced airflow and improved lung function.

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